Celebrating Life at Diamond Lake and Sacheen Lake Volume 6, Issue 4
July 2017
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Courtesy photo|Lon Lee
Taking to it just fine
Baxter Lee, 5, enjoys his first time on a water ski training inflatable, Wednesday, July 1,9 at Diamond Lake. Baxter, his father Mike, and brother Sawyer, from Colorado were visiting Baxter’s grandparents Lon and Kathy Lee.
Defining Legal Excellence
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Published: July 2017 Publisher: Michelle Nedved Writers & editors: Don Gronning and Sophia Aldous Advertising: Lindsay Guscott, Cindy Boober and Micki Brass LAKE LIFE is published monthly in April, May, June, July and August as a supplement to The Newport Miner and Gem State Miner, 421 S. Spokane, Newport WA 99156. TELEPHONE: 509-447-2433 E-MAIL: minernews@povn.com, mineradvertising@povn.com FAX: 509-447-9222
Erika R. Grubbs
Elizabeth A. Tellessen
Jeffrey R. Ropp
Reproduction of articles & photographs is prohibited without permission of the Publisher.
See all issues at:
Lisa A. Malpass
Timothy R. Fisher
winstoncashatt.com • 509 •838 •6131 601 W. Riverside Ste. 1900, Spokane, WA 99201 PAGE 2
The Miner Online: www.pendoreillerivervalley.com. If you want to receive Lake Life in your mail contact The Miner at 509-447-2433.
July Lake Life
Roxy slated to open at end of July Local movie theater fundraising for renovations By Sophia Aldous Of The Miner
NEWPORT – It’s official. Jason and Brittany Totland, the husband and wife team from Newport, are the new owners of The Roxy, Newport’s only movie theater that has been shuttered for almost two years. “It’s really happening,” says Jason. “There’s still a lot to do.” The couple got the keys to the building Friday, June 30, after purchasing the building through John L. Scott Realty for $200,000. However, the work has just begun. The Totlands are still fundraising via subscriptions and donations for repairs and remodeling. Their goal is to transform the three-screen multiplex back to its original one screen “Grand Theater” format. As of Saturday, July 1 they had reached $4,000 toward their $25,000 goal. “We also have to settle contracts with movie distributors so we know what movies we’re going to show, as well as order popcorn, candy and soda for concessions,” says Jason. Those looking to help can visit The Roxy’s website and purchase an “investment package” each one named after a famous, classic 1950’s movie star (Marlon Brando, Audrey Hepburn, Doris Day, John Wayne, etc.). The investment packages are filled with limited edition Roxy merchandise and goodies. There are 12 packages in total, with the least expensive July Lake Life
FIND YOUR PERFECT COLOR.
26 TOP RATED BY A LEADING CONSUMER MAGAZINE
SELKIRK K
Miner photo|Sophia Aldous
Brittany and Jason Totland, new owners of The Roxy movie theater in Newport, check out the reel-to-reel projector from 1952 on display in the theater’s lobby.
being the Jayne Mansfield package at $10 and the largest being the Dick and Gladys Bishop package at $10,000.
‘It’s really happening… there’s still a lot to do.’ Jason Totland Owner of The Roxy
The Bishop package comes with two limited edition Save The Roxy tumblers, two limited edition Save the Roxy T-shirts, two Lifetime Founders of The Roxy memberships, and an honorary star on The Roxy’s Hollywood wall of fame. Another option is a Friends of the Roxy subscription membership starting at $13.99 per month. A subscription includes free movie entry for the subscriber, a 10 percent discount on all concessions,
and a tumbler or T-shirt as a gift for signing up. Features the Totlands are still working on, but hope to incorporate by the time the theater opens is a membership scan card so subscribers can bypass the ticket line. “I’m delighted, and I wish Jason all the best in the world,” says former Roxy owner Gladys Bishop. Built in 1951, and owned and operated by Gladys and Richard “RC” Bishop for 51 years, Kevin Wright, an insurance agent in Newport, purchased the theater in 2007, and then closed the business in 2015. The Roxy Theater building was sold Jan. 20 in a trustee sale earlier this year for $132,000. The only bidder was Glacier Bank. The building includes not only the See roxy, 16
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Blast from the past: Diamond Lake improvements 1931
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Editor’s Note: This article is reprinted from a June 1931 issue of The Miner, detailing improvements made to the resort. DIAMOND LAKE – Visitors to Diamond Lake note with approval the many improvements that Fielden Poirier, the new proprietor of the resort, has been making. Particularly notable is the work on the camping grounds, which have been cleared of brush, seeded and more camping facilities provided. It is now a beautiful spot and is attracting a growing patronage from
people who desire a pleasant place to spend a holiday. The dance hall has been re-floored and sided and the dances given every Saturday evening are drawing a good patronage. The old bathhouse has been torn down and improved facilities provided for those who wish to enjoy the pleasures of the fine bathing beach. Good place for the Fourth Likewise the ball grounds located to the south of the campgrounds have been put in shape for the fastball. Next
Q and A with Pend Oreille Master Gardeners Editor’s Note: This is a series in which Pend Oreille County Master Gardeners answer questions about gardening in the short Pend Oreille
County season. There is contact information at the end of the column.
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Sunday the American Express team of Spokane will play the Diamond Lake Athletic club. Arrangements are being made for games on July 4 and 5. There will be a dance at the pavilion Friday evening July 3 and during the afternoon and evening of July 4. Diamond Lake will be an ideal place to spend your Fourth of July holidays. Summer residents have established the custom of having private displays of fireworks that coming from all sides of the lake present a most beautiful sight.
Question: What hazelnut trees will grow in Pend Oreille County? Are there local nurseries with hazelnut trees? Answer: Hazelnut trees do grow in our area and one species, Corylus cornuta, is native to the Inland Northwest. Some nurseries in the region do sell hazelnut trees. If you are purchasing a hazelnut tree make sure that it is hardy down to Zone 5; Zone 4 would be safer. Trees purchased from a mail order plant company should be from one located in the north so the trees will be acclimated to the growing conditions in Pend Oreille County. A great deal of information regarding this subject is available at the following websites: extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening; extension. usu.edu/pn.wplants; wsu.edu/ pendoreillecounty/gardening; usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome (look for fact sheet). Question: The tips of the branches on my grand fir trees have all turned See gardener, 15 July Lake Life
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Courtesy photo|Caneel Johnson
The dog gets the fishing line in its mouth while Nathan Davila and Lathe Comer get in some fishing at the boat launch at Diamond Lake. People need to have both a fishing license and a Discover Pass to bring a vehicle to the boat launch to fish.
Do’s and don’ts of fun on the lake By Caneel Johnson
DIAMOND LAKE – When people think of going to the lake they think of the fun and sun that the water promises. People rarely think of the rules and regulations that are meant to keep the places we love beautiful and safe for generations to come. “When my brother and I were fishing here, I wound back to cast my line and hooked his lip. I didn’t know it, and when I cast off the hook ripped his lip. He needed three stitches,” recalls Lathe Comer, a Diamond Lake resident. There are a lot hazards to consider when venturing out into nature. Water is the number one destination in the summer. Whether it is swimming, boating, or fishing there are a lot of ways to find trouble. According to the Washington Department of Health, drowning is the third most common killer of children 5-9 and 15-19. It is the most common cause of unintentional injury death in for children ages 10-14. So, practice safety when around the water. Establish rules with your family before you get to the beach. Makes sure young children wear lifejackets at all July Lake Life
times. Keep a close eye on children at all times. Stay in the designated areas, and always swim with a partner. According to the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, Pend Oreille
‘Diamond Lake is great. It is not too cold or too hot. It is perfect for swimming.’ Nathan Davila and Lathe Comer Diamond Lake Residents
Paper Recycling Do’s and Don’ts Please no cardboard in paper bin!!
YES! Pend Oreille does accept: • Loose newspaper, no strings or plastic • Magazines, but not in plastic wrapping • White office paper only • Window & non-window white envelopes • Loose, white shredded paper and junk mail
NOT Recyclable:
• No brown paper bags • No telephone books • No colored paper • No manila clasp envelopes • No paper inside plastic bags
Pend Oreille County Solid Waste (509) 447-4513
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County is a safe areas in which to boat, with only .84 boating accidents for every 1,000 registered boaters. That compares to other areas that have as many as four for every 1,000. People need to be wary of transporting invasive species when they travel to lakes. “One of the biggest problems in the Diamond and Sacheen Lakes are the aquatic invasive species like milfoil and yellow iris invasive,” See SAFE, 14
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Who to Contact Pend Oreille County Website: pendoreilleco.org
Commissioners 509-447-4119 District 1: Chairwoman Karen Skoog (2020) District 2: Member Mike Manus (2018) District 3: Vice Chairman Steve Kiss (2020) Four-year terms Annual salary: $53,945.28 P.O. Box 5025, Newport, WA 99156 Board meets every Monday and Tuesday at 9 a.m. in commissioners’ office, main floor of the courthouse. Clerk of the Board: Rhonda Cary Office hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Auditor 509-447-6474 Fax: 509-447-2475 Marianne Nichols (2018) Four-year term Annual salary: $57,492.24 P.O. Box 5015, Newport, WA 99156
Assessor 509-447-4312 Fax: 509-447-6450 James McCroskey (2018) Four-year term Annual salary: $57,492.24 P.O. Box 5010, Newport, WA 99156
Treasurer 509-447-3612 Fax: 509-447-0318 Terri Miller (2018) Four-year term Annual salary: $57,492.24 P.O. Box 5080, Newport, WA 99156 See CONTACT, 10 PAGE 6
July Lake Life
Some question EMS district formation By Michelle Nedved Of The Miner
NEWPORT – Some residents and fire district officials expressed apprehension about the formation of a ambulance district in Pend Oreille County, during a public hearing before county commissioners Tuesday afternoon, July 11. “I’m very much opposed,” county resident Pete Scobby said during public comment. He said models like the one proposed by county commissioners work well on the west side of the state, where the tax base is much larger. Ed Hamilton concurred. “Taxes are going up and I’m barely making it,” the county resident said. Pend Oreille Fire District No. 2 commissioners Jim Mundy and Pete Smolden said regardless of what happens, they still plan to be the first responders out on ambulance calls within their district. “Our district has never agreed to give up our transport,” Mundy said. “We intend to be first out. If we need ALS (advanced life support), we will call for it.” While Fire District 2 and the members of the public at large who spoke were opposed to the formation of a countywide ambulance district, public officials expressed their support. However, commissioner Karen Skoog noted that she and fellow commission Steve Kiss have not yet made up their minds. Mike Manus, the commissioner who has taken the lead on the district’s formation, is in favor of it. County officials have been contemplating the formation of a district since the closure of Newport Ambulance, the private ambulance service that served Pend Oreille and Bonner counties. They closed their doors last September, July Lake Life
Miner photo|Sophia Aldous
Pend Oreille County resident Pete Scobby speaks at a public hearing Tuesday afternoon, July 11. County commissioners where taking input on the potential formation of an ambulance district. Scobby is opposed.
leaving a void filled by fire districts that was filled by the private company American Medical Response, which has been operating in Pend Oreille County fore nearly a year. Scott Doughty, captain and training officer for South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue, also heads the EMS council. He explained that reason for the formation of a district is not to start taxing. Instead, it gives the county the ability to sign contracts and to find longterm funding for ambulance services. He assured those gathered that the intention is not to take away anyone’s ability to transport or anyone’s license. “How do we provide quality EMS services that the constituents deserve, while providing fire services,” Doughty said is the question. Scobby said that residents here shouldn’t expect quality EMS services, because they chose to live in a rural area. “This is about expectations. If I have a heart attack, I’m going to have it downtown Spokane or downtown Seattle. I live here and I understand the expectations. … I do not have that expectation. You have a rural area, you are supposed to have a lower cost
of living, lower tax base. And your expectations should match that.” If the county commissioners decided to form the district, any tax levy would be put before voters, and would need a 60 percent approval from county voters. Manus and Kiss visited with leaders in all four towns and the city of Newport, and all five municipalities signed agreements to support the district. No fire districts were asked to sign, nor did they sign any agreements. Smolden questioned how honest the county officials had been with city officials. “I don’t think it’s been very honest,” he said of the discussion. “I think it’s basically been shoved down peoples’ throats.” Manus responded that all the city and town councils were presented with the agreement and signed at their free will. Smolden and Mundy questioned if the city/town officials understood what they were signing. The resolutions authorizing inclusion, signed by all five mayors, are posted online at www.pendoreilleco.org/yourgovernment/commissioners/ resolutions. PAGE 7
WEATHER BABBLE
Global warming revisited By Bob Lutz
Dick Bockemuehl
Waterfront Specialist 509 951-4390 dickb@21waterfront.com www.parade-of-lakes.com www.21waterfront.com
Pend Oreille & Bonner County Waterfront Specialist
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CLIMATOLOGIST
SACHEEN LAKE – Now that we are approaching the hottest days of summer, I thought I would talk a little about this global warming subject, and give you an update on the current state-of-theclimate. This is Lutz certainly a subject of much debate, and one that gets me a bit firedup every time somebody brings it up. In short, the climate information that we’ve gathered since the late 1800s is simply not enough to prove that global warming (or global cooling for that matter) even exists. The earth has been around for around 4.54 billion years, (give or take) and the measly 130 years or so worth of weather records that we have established is just a drop in the bucket compared to the “global” scheme of things. Now, there are indeed subtle changes that are occurring, but I would tend to lean more toward climatic cycles rather than any long-term global warming. Climatologists have studied tree rings in the great cedars of northern California for years and have discovered that those “cycles” could range anywhere from 10 to 500 years. For one extreme of weather, there will be another just the opposite. For instance, remember the drought of 2015? Well this past year, we actually experienced just the opposite pattern with record precipitation. Even so, the mainstream media would want you to believe differently. If for instance, a heat wave hits the East Coast
in the weeks ahead, it won’t take long for them to promote global warming. Just in case you have not noticed, it seems like the whole world revolves around what happens on the East Coast. Now in contrast, how hard did the mainstream media hit the story on the record sea ice a few years ago? A following is a list of news channels that covered that story. (Hmmm-mmmmm, I think I hear crickets…) Now, let’s cool things down even more and talk glaciers. Once again the mainstream media would have you believe that all of the world’s glaciers are melting away like the Wicked Witch of the West on the Wizard of Oz. That fact is that there are many glaciers that are actually growing rather than shrinking. No doubt you have heard a gaggle of stories on the all-time record highs over the past couple of years. Well, I have an answer for that too. The reason is that many of the official National Weather Service recording sites have been in the same location since the dawn of time. Urban development (due to our increasing population) has managed to build up around those sites creating an urban heat island effect. That urban heat island effect is the result of structures and pavements that hold in heat, kind of like a large body of water. I’m fairly certain that sometime over the past 4.5 billion years, it’s been this hot before, we just were not around to record it. Hold on, I’m not done yet. Others have brought up the fact that recent storms have been the most destructive in recorded history, again all brought on by global warming. Storms have indeed become
more destructive, but a more accurate phrase would be to say that they have actually become more costly. With increased population comes more widespread infrastructure. For example, what was once a farmer’s field could now be a housing development. Fifty years ago, a tornado touching down over that field would destroy crops. Today, it will destroy homes. Add inflation to the equation and you can plainly see why our storms are more destructive, or “costly” now. So, why all the hype on global warming? As usual, it’s all about the money. If you’re still not convinced, I’ll leave you with these thoughts. What caused all the ice that took out the dinosaurs? Better yet, what caused all that ice to melt? I can’t find any evidence that the smoke signals sent out back then mentioned anything about “man-made” global warming. So, one can only conclude that it was a “natural” occurrence. Or, perhaps it was the local Neanderthal population passing a little too much methane gas in their “man caves?” I’ll let you decide. In the meantime, I suspect all this nonsense is likely to continue as mankind is just arrogant enough to believe that “it” can somehow control the world’s climate. In fact while I was writing this article, I saw that the City of Spokane just passed some sort of a “local” global warming policy in hopes to somehow decrease its carbon footprint. Seriously. I suspect that somewhere down the road, there will be some sort of new tax to help fund this new endeavor, which if happens, would once again support my theory that it’s all about the See weather, 14 July Lake Life
Summer safety By Mike Nokes Chief, South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue
Courtesy photo|Steve Dawson
Early morning moose These moose were visiting Diamond Lake off Coyote Trail about 5 a.m. Monday morning, July 17.
It has been a warm summer so far. South Pend Oreille Fire & Rescue wants everyone to stay safe during the summer and offers the following tips on how to best care for yourself and your family when temperatures start to soar. Protect Yourself: Drink more fluids, regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. If you’re older, be especially careful to drink fluids because the amount of water retained by the body decreases with age. Don’t drink liquids with Nokes dehydrating caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar. Avoid very cold drinks. Dress in lightweight light-colored clothing and sun-reflective shirts. Wear loose clothing. Wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses. Avoid strenuous activities during the heat of the day. Never leave anyone in closed, parked vehicles, even with the See SAFETY, 10
Native flora or noxious weed? By Sharon Sorby
1-800-310-DOCK www.marinewestindustries.com
Pend Oreille County Weed Board
So what is the hullabaloo about weeds, noxious or exotic? At what level should we be concerned? What are the risks of letting nature take her course or spraying weeds with herbicides? What are the implications for ecosystem health or even human health? First of all, “noxious weed” is a legal designation that may or may not have any implications for our native ecosystems. Noxious weeds are exotic – coming from somewhere else. They come to our area free of the insects and diseases that keep them in check in their country of origin. All exotics are not created equal. We tend to place human judgment upon them as to whether they are good or bad; however, I would like to look at Courtesy photo|Sharon Sorby them from the perspective of the native ecosystem. From that viewpoint, exotics The orange and meadow hawkweeds – Hieracium auracantia-
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cum and H. caespitosum – can quickly form a dense carpet that See weeds, 11 smothers other plant life. July Lake Life
PAGE 9
CONTACT From Page 6
Community Development Department 509-447-4821 • Planning Commission John Stuart, Norris Boyd, Donald Comins, Dan Mueller, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Dennis Osweiler, Paul Edgren, Judy Ashton and Bill Kemp. Meets on the second Tuesday of each month at the Cusick Community Center for business, and on the fourth Tuesday of each month for workshops, starting at 6 p.m. • Park board members: Jeanetta Taulor, Dave Gruver, Mark Bender, Donald Comins, Greg Jakeman and Dwight Opp. There is a vacant seat in Districts 1. Meets the third Wednesday of every month at 2 p.m. in the Cusick Community Center.
Public Utility District No. 1
208.443.2193
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509-447-3137 Fax: 509-447-5824 Website: www.popud.org The PUD’s main office is located at 130 N. Washington Ave., in Newport, with customer service and payment drop box available at the Box Canyon Dam office in Ione. The PUD operates Box Canyon Dam, located on the Pend Oreille River. PUD office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed for most holidays. To report an outage, call 509-447-3137, 509-446-3137, or 509-242-3137. The commissioners meet on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the Newport Conference Room in Newport, and on any fifth Tuesday of the month at 9 a.m. at Box Canyon Dam in Ione. Meeting schedule subject to change. Commissioners See CONTACT, 16 July Lake Life
WEEDS | From Page 9
are benign or harmful. There are many exotics in our area, but I would like to narrow this discussion to those exotics, noxious weeds, that are harmful to our native ecosystem. The health of our native flora determines the level of support for our endangered wildlife. The health of their habitat is a value that drives my interest and decisions in weed control. The hawkweed complex, Hieracium spp., (there are several species) is an example of a pernicious exotic plant group that can invade a mountain meadow, or even the floor of a mostly closed canopy forest. It can quickly form a dense carpet that smothers other plant life, while providing no habitat value. The invasion of this weed into our area has reached extreme levels. The best strategy
SAFETY | From Page 9
windows down. To feel cooler, eat cooler. Reduce your protein intake. Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn makes it difficult for your body to dissipate heat. As well as a hat and sunglasses, wear sunscreen SPF 15 or higher. The most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB” on their labels. Stay Alert. Be aware of heavy sweating, hot and dry skin, rapid pulse, pale or clammy skin, and cramps in your leg or abdomen muscles. All could be signs of heat disorder. If you are older, it’s wise to keep medical information readily available, including phone numbers of health care providers and copies of your prescription and health insurance cards. What to look for in cases of July Lake Life
for controlling it is to prevent it from invading areas where it is not present, eradicate pioneering infestations, and contain established populations. So what do I mean by “weed control?” That we should “nuke” them into the last century? Hardly. There are many tools that allow us to control the impact of weeds on our native ecosystem. We can prevent them, pull them, dig them, mow them, tarp them, fertilize them, cultivate them, introduce their natural controls (that have been carefully screened), and yes, spray them. We make our best weed control choices when we understand the biology of the weed species, the type of site where it occurs and the biology of the native plants that also occupy the site, or at least should. Almost without variance, when managing weeds, it is best to combine control methods that optimize killing the weeds while promoting the ecosystem
health and minimizing collateral damage. So why must we control the invasion of weeds? Why can’t we allow nature to take her course? Through observation over the last few decades, we can tell that the weeds are too strong an adversary to our native plant communities. Nature cannot rebalance herself into healthy habitat after a noxious weed invasion. Quite frankly, since we caused the problem, it is our responsibility to best rectify our mistakes. When we work to “save” an area of value to us, we usually work to stave-off development – the number one cause of loss to habitat and the health of our native ecosystems. The second cause in magnitude is the invasion of harmful noxious weeds. Every day we lose 4,600 acres of publicly owned habitat to the invasion of noxious weeds. Once the habitat becomes overtaken by weeds, it is irreparable. The only opportunity to
act on behalf of preservation is before the weeds become established. So, what would drive us to spray “toxic” herbicides in our precious native environment? Fortunately, due to the years of pressure from the environmental community, herbicide manufacturers have responded by developing chemistry that has low toxicity and is effective at extremely low rates of application. Sometimes the site of a pioneering weed invasion is so sensitive, that other means of managing the population
would be more detrimental than spraying the individual plants. Again, there are valid reasons for controlling weeds that are invading our native ecosystems. Choosing the best methods to employ in carrying out a management program requires an understanding of the plants involved, the type of site, and the methods of control available. After that, we continue our vigilance in improving those tools of management available to us.
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heat exposure and what to do: Heat Cramps - Painful spasms usually in your legs or abdominal muscles with heavy sweating. Firm pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage my relieve spasm. Drink water or a sports drink, which has electrolytes and salt. If nausea occurs, slow to sips of your drink and wait till nausea subsides to begin drinking again. Heat Exhaustion - Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Person can have a weak pulse, normal temperature possible, fainting, or vomiting. Get victim to lie down in a cool place. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths, and fan or move victim to air-conditioned place. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, slow the sips of water and wait till nausea subsides to begin sips of water. If vomiting occurs, seek immediate medical attention. Heat Stroke (Sun Stroke) -
High body temperature (106+). Victim can have very hot, dry skin, rapid or strong pulse, and possible unconsciousness. Victim will likely not sweat. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 or emergency medical services immediately. Delay can be fatal. Use extreme caution. Move victim to a cooler environment. If victim is conscious you can try a cool bath but never leave them unattended or try sponging to reduce body temperature. Remove clothing to allow body to cool. Use fans and/or air conditioners. DO NOT GIVE FLUIDS. By following these safety tips everybody should have a safe enjoyable summer. If you have any questions on: burning, smoke detectors, or if you would be interested in serving your community as a member of the volunteer fire district please contact me at 509-447-5305, or online at www.spofr.org.
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PAGE 11
Jane of all trades Riding realtor, Price Is Right contestant, model, Sheckler has varied experience By Don Gronning
The Inland Northwest’s Premier Powersport Dealer
Just west of Downtown Spokane
Exit 276 from 1-90
4201 S Grove Rd, Spokane 509-747-1862 www.westsideracing.com
NEWPORT – Shannon Sheckler may be best known in this area for her work selling real estate. She specializes in horse and water properties. But prior to being a realtor, Sheckler had an eclectic career that involved modeling and being a flight attendant. She make frequent use of her travel benefits and traveled regularly to compete at charity rodeo events. She has been on the Price is Right game show. Her mother, Nikki Pelli, a
stunt woman, talked her into going on the Price is Right. “My mom says, ‘let’s go see the Price is Right,’” she says. She wasn’t particularly enthused. “We’d been there four times and had not been called. Then all of a sudden Mom is going ‘they’re calling your name.’” She went down with Bob Barker and the other contestants and bid $802 on a washer and dryer. “He looked at me kinda funny for bidding $802 instead of $801,” she said. But she won,
getting the washer and dryer, but not guessing correctly for the second larger prize. Sheckler’s mother went to California and started a career as a stunt woman, model, and game inventor, leading to her meeting many famous people. “My mom knows The Beaver,” she says, referring to Jerry Mathers. Sheckler was at her mother’s place once when Eddie Haskell, or rather the actor Ken Osmond who played Eddie Haskell on “Leave it to Beaver,” came around the
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Sheckler in her barrel racing days at a celebrity rodeo in Colorado Springs, Colo. PAGE 12
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corner looking for someone. Sheckler grew up in Leavenworth, Wash. She graduated from Central Washington University with a degree in business in 1992. After graduation she went to work as a flight attendant, traveling around the country. It was about that time she started doing some modeling. Because of her rodeo and horse show background, she did a calendar for several years for Ropers & Riders, appearing on the cover in 1999. She also did swimsuit and runway modeling, as well as catalog work for a western wear company. With her mother being a stunt woman, Sheckler was around television and movie sets. She got a job being a stand-in for Jane Seymour on the “Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman” show, standing in for Seymour during lighting and camera setup. That led to her getting a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) card, as she was considered a principle on the show. Sheckler’s modeling career has taken her to Australia. The modeling work was fun and exciting but not particularly lucrative, she said. After 9/11, she decided being a flight attendant wasn’t for her anymore, so she went to real estate school in Phoenix. Which led to her eventually moving to Pend Oreille County in 2005 with her husband Ken Sheckler. Her real estate career is going well and this year the market for lakefront property has been good. “This last winter was one of the busiest winters for the waterfront real estate I have seen in a long time,” she said, with several sales at both Sacheen and Diamond lakes. So Sheckler is busy. She isn’t flying around the country, hanging with celebrities, or modeling a swimsuit, but you get the feeling that’s just fine. “I love it here,” she says. July Lake Life
Lake Life photo|Don Gronning
Above: Shannon Sheckler at home at her Timber Mountain Ranch north of Newport. She is holding a script from a “Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman” television show in which she was a stand-in for Jane Seymore and is surrounded by trophy buckles she won.
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Left: Sheckler had a career modeling. Here she is in the August 2000 Ropers & Riders Pro Rodeo Calendar of Champions.
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WEATHER | Trees are natural filters From Page 8
money. Even though worldwide C02 pollutants (greenhouse gasses) from both mankind and volcanic emissions can reach a staggering 35-40 billion tons per year, Ma Nature has an antidote for that. It comes in the form of trees, which serve as natural air filters, taking out tons of C02 pollution and converting it into clean oxygen. Case in point, a single mature tree can absorb up to 48 lbs of C02 per year. By the way, C02 emission studies date as far back as 800,000 years ago, which have been obtained via glacier ice samples. Of particular interest
are some of the high levels that were noted even back then. One of the more comprehensive studies on C02 levels here in the U.S. did not begin until the early 1950s. This project (commonly referred to as the Keeling Curve) remains based out of Mauna Loa in Hawaii, and is still used in numerous scientific studies to this day. Not for nothing, but I think God knew what He was doing when he created this marvelous planet. And speaking of God, if you think we have global warming now, just read the book of Revelation and you’re likely to get a realistic glimpse as to what true global warming will look like during the great Tribulation period someday.
So in summary, the validity of the doom and gloom reports that you have no doubt been hearing are certainly (at least in my opinion) a bit over exaggerated to say the least. I for one will not be building any underground shelters anytime soon. Now don’t get me wrong, anything that you can do (within reason) to save a tree or curtail C02 emissions would not be a bad thing but again, I think God has our back on this. In the next issue of Lake Life, we’ll venture away from any talk of warming, and talk snow and cold as I reveal my thoughts as to what the 2017/18 winter may bring to our local area.
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says Madonna Lures, public information officer for the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. “We strongly encourage boaters to clean boats and trailers before and after launching.” Jeff Smith was visiting Diamond Lake on a day trip from Spokane to see his brother on the lake. He’s taken a boating course and been boating since he was a kid, so is aware of the importance of safety and taking care of the lake. “We are responsible boaters,” he says. “Everyone has a life vest, and I always make sure to wash my boat before I put it in and as soon as I get home.” The Washington Department of Health reports that less than 50 percent of eighth graders wear a life vest when boating. The state law requires people always wear a life vest when boating no matter what their age is. It goes without saying that operating
a boat intoxicated is illegal and various law enforcement agencies are conducting boating under the influence patrols. People can learn There is a Boating Safety Course available online, for a better understanding of boating safety. It is $29.50 for the course and $10.50 for the state fee. This course is mandatory for anyone operating a boat under the age of 20. www.boat-ed. com/washington. Charlie Schaefer, a Certified Instructor for Idaho and Washington, also offers these classes free of charge. People can call him at 509-447-2279 for information on his next classes. Other things to keep in mind at the lake are making sure you have a Discover Pass and fishing license if you’re going fishing. All lake access requires either a vehicle pass or a Discover Pass. The vehicle pass comes with any fishing or hunting license. The
Discover Pass is $35 annually or $11.50 for a day pass. Fishing is a great way to relax. It is calming, quiet, and even provides dinner, but there are things to consider for everyone’s safety. Make sure you fish away from others. Accidently hooking an innocent by stander is a quick way to ruin the day. Be sure to use caution when baiting and removing the hook. In order to avoid fines, make sure your license is up to date. It is $24 for Washington state residents. Make sure to check the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website for the regulations pertaining to all relevant fish and bodies of water in Washington. For more information visit www.wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/ regulations/. Make sure to not dump any baitfish in the water. They can be invasive, and kill the local fish. The Discover Pass is available online at www.wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/ discoverpass/. July Lake Life
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There are lifejackets for people to use at the Diamond Lake Boat Launch. Here a family in town for a family reunion gets suited up for a day on the lake. The lifejackets are free, just be sure to return them.
GARDENER | Drought damage From Page 4
Pacific Northwest Plant Disease Management Handbook
brown. What is wrong with my trees? Answer: There are many problems that occur in grand fir but yours may be experiencing injury from drought. Even though we had a wet fall and spring, drought damage can accumulate over several years of inadequate moisture. Symptoms of drought injury are loss of needles at the base or tip of shoots and the eventual thinning of the crown from the top of the tree downward. If possible, maintain soil moisture through supplemental irrigation and control weeds and brush around the base of your trees to eliminate competition for water. Watch your trees carefully and if the problem persists, you may have some other type of infestation that goes beyond the dry weather we’ve experienced over the last few years. Sources: 2016
Question: My raspberry bush leaves and fruit look deformed, underdeveloped and withered. What is wrong? Answer: Your raspberries may be experiencing a deficiency of boron. Apply a fertilizer containing boron. Although spring is the best time you can go ahead and apply the fertilizer at other times of the year. Remember to read and follow all fertilizer label instructions and wear protective clothing. Source: hortsense.cahnrs.wsu. edu
July Lake Life
Question: Why isn’t my clematis blooming? Answer: It sounds like the growing conditions for your clematis may be too hot. Clematis like full sun but they also like cool roots. So, in the fall, transplant your clematis to an area that can provide
those conditions. Place a thick layer of mulch or plant shallow rooted flowers at the base of your clematis to keep the roots shaded. Make sure you use a well-balanced fertilizer that includes phosphorus to promote blooming. Source: http://extension.wsu.edu/skagit/ wp-content/uploads/ sites/29/2014/03/060608.pdf E-mail your gardening, plant and insect ID and other questions to your Pend Oreille County Master Gardeners at pomastergardeners@outlook. com or call the WSU/Pend Oreille County Extension Office at 509-447-2401. Plant clinic hours are every Thursday from 4:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Extension Office at 227 S. Garden Avenue, Newport, where Master Gardeners are available to discuss gardening and landscaping issues with homeowners. Please join us!
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631 Sacheen Terrace Dr. SACHEEN LAKE: Cute A-frame, 50 FT waterfront, cozy & comfy, fireplace, 2 beds, 2 baths, very private lot. Furnished. $260,000 MLS# 201715113
13611 N Peninsula Dr, Newman Lake Waterfront living on Newman Lake at it’s best! This cabin sits right down close to the lake, Remodeled & has the perfect sandy beach, western exposure, a new $35K+ septic system & more. Reduced to $269,000 MLS# 201716705
DIAMOND LAKE: This Gorgeous 3 Bed, 3 Bath Craftsman Home offers a Guest House, a Gorgeous 100 FT FLAT Sandy Beach, 24 x 24 Shop, Gourmet Kitchen, Privacy & Sunset Views. By appt, please. MLS# 201714563
DIAMOND LAKE: This 5 Bed, 2 Bath home sits on a 50 FT Sandy Beach, Gourmet Kitchen, Large Master Suite, Private Dock, Hot tub, Trex Decks, Parking & more. Priced to sell at $385,000 MLS# 201711916
DIAMOND LAKE: This 3 Bed, 1 Bath home offers unobstructed lake & sunset views! Enjoy a Remodeled Kitchen & Bathroom, a garage, Fenced back yard & more. Priced to sell, $249,000 MLS# 201711542
1312 Southshore Diamond Lake Rd DIAMOND LAKE: Cozy & quaint waterfront cabin, 50 FT of “grass to waters edge” waterfont, a very solid lake bottom, sandy beach area, T&G pine throughout & more! $299,900 MLS# 201716734
7162 Fertile Valley Rd, Sacheen Lake Just listed: This 3,500 sq ft home offers 3 beds/ 2 baths, a shop & room for 2 families w/ a second kitchen downstairs. 40 ft, sandy beach, dock. $450,000
COMING SOON: Nice, upgraded primary waterfront Diamond Lake home on 50 FT FLAT LOT w/ bunkhouse & storage galore under $325,000.
Aerial drone footage available
with all waterfront & horse property home listings. PAGE 16
-1161 Southshore DL Rd, 50 ft waterfront lot, Dock, All utilities-Reduced to $199,000 -Northshore DL Rd, 50 ft FLAT waterfront lot, Dock, Nice & level $175,000
CONTACT From Page 10
serve for six-year terms: President Dan Peterson (2018), Vice President Curt Knapp (2020), Secretary Rick Larson (2022). Commissioners’ stipend is $114 per meeting. General Manager: F. Colin Willenbrock Annual Salary: $180,000
ROXY From Page 3
theater, but also Wright’s insurance office and an upstairs apartment. “This community supported me for years, and my wish is that it will support the them (Jason and Brittany),” says Bishop. The Roxy’s current design consists of three theaters totaling 330 seats. The multiplex was a redesign done under Wright’s ownership, splitting the theater into three separate screens. The Totlands plan to change it back to just one big screen with the original 430-seat capacity. The plan is to only show movies on the front main screen until the remodel to restore the grand theater design can be afforded. “People have been so generous and seem to really want this,” says Brittany. “We’re appreciative of any support we get. Any little bit of fundraising helps.” For more information, check out the Roxy’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thenewportroxy, or go to www. thenewportroxy.com. “I will be there,” Bishop says when asked is she plans on going to a movie once The Roxy reopens. July Lake Life